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The reported offer from Chicago, which includes Taj Gibson, Doug McDermott and Nikola Mirotic, is a better offer to Minnesota for Kevin Love than Cleveland’s alleged offer of Andrew Wiggins, Anthony Bennett and a future draft pick

Josh Cohen’s Opinion: FALSE

Here is the bottom line; if you are the Wolves, you have the potential opportunity of landing a future franchise superstar. Yes it may take a few years for Wiggins to develop and reach his full potential, but Gibson, Mirotic and McDermott have almost ZERO chance of becoming transcendent players. Sure, they each bring something distinctive to the table, but that’s not what wins championships in the NBA.

Also, with the pieces from the Bulls, the Wolves end up back where they were last season (middle of the pack team in an extremely competitive Western Conference), while the Cavs’ package will inevitably allow them another high and rewarding draft pick next year because of how young and inexperienced they will be.

Note: The contents of this page have not been reviewed or endorsed by the Orlando Magic. All opinions expressed by Josh Cohen are solely his own and do not reflect the opinions of the Orlando Magic or their Basketball Operations staff, partners or sponsors.

Elfrid Payton will play more minutes in his rookie season than Aaron Gordon for the Magic.

Cohen’s Opinion: TRUE

As shown in Summer League action, Payton currently seems more advanced at his position than Gordon at his. That’s not to say ultimately Gordon won’t or can’t become a perennial All-Star, but for now, Payton can make an immediate impact because of his versatility and outstanding court vision. It’s also worth noting that Orlando isn’t currently that deep at point guard, which insinuates that Payton will inevitably earn a lot of minutes early on.

Channing Frye will be the Magic’s best 3-point shooter this upcoming season.

Cohen’s Opinion: FALSE

Not a knock against Frye’s range and ability to space the floor, but I think Evan Fournier will be Orlando’s top guy from deep. They both shot around the same percentage from 3-point distance last season (37 percent), but unlike Frye who had a significant role in Phoenix, Fournier wasn’t given enough of a green light in Denver. As a result, I expect Fournier to have a breakout third NBA season and give the Magic the idyillic backcourt complement to Victor Oladipo and Elfrid Payton.

The Cavaliers are the best team in the East regardless of whether they acquire Kevin Love or not.

Cohen’s Opinion: TRUE

Obviously, they are far better next season with Love, who would flourish playing alongside LeBron James because of his supreme 3-point range and toughness inside. However, in a weak and arguably getting more deteriorated Eastern Conference – Lance Stephenson subtracted from Indiana, Trevor Ariza abstracted from Washington, James removed from Miami and injuries still potentially haunting Derrick Rose (Chicago) and Brook Lopez (Brooklyn), I don’t see how there is a legitimate challenger for Cleveland next season.

LeBron is simply that spectacular and barring an unforeseen blockbuster trade in the conference, I think the Cavs deserve to be the heavy favorites to represent the East in the Finals in 2015.

With Cleveland obviously a playoff team next season, Charlotte OR Atlanta (the 7 and 8 seeds from last year in the East) will miss the postseason by default.

Cohen’s Opinion: FALSE

First off, I’m not convinced yet that the Heat are still a playoff team without LeBron James. Let’s wait and see if Dwyane Wade is healthy for a majority of the season. Also, if Brook Lopez is still injury-plagued, I’m not sold that the Nets are a playoff team after losing Paul Pierce in free agency. Was Toronto’s superb season last year an accident or are they for real? Kyle Lowry re-signed, but will he able to replicate his performance from last season? Charlotte has improved with the addition of Lance Stephenson and Atlanta is getting Al Horford back.

Victor Oladipo will lead the Magic in scoring next season.

Cohen’s Opinion: TRUE

Tobias Harris will undoubtedly be in the running, but I expect tremendous progress from Oladipo in 2014-15. With Arron Afflalo and Jameer Nelson gone, there will be plenty more opportunity for Vic to have a scorer’s mentality. Especially when he plays alongside Elfrid Payton, a more conventional point guard, Oladipo will be the beneficiary of his new teammate’s exceptional court vision and up-tempo style.